Vice President Kamala Harris has made a poignant plea for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, citing the urgent need to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Harris emphasized the urgency of the situation, terming the conditions in Gaza as “inhumane” and stressing that people in the region were “starving.”
“The threat posed by Hamas to the people of Israel must be addressed, but we cannot ignore the immense suffering endured by the people of Gaza,” Harris asserted. “It is imperative that we secure an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks to allow the release of hostages and facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza.”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Harris underscored the need for Hamas to agree to the ceasefire deal, emphasizing that it would pave the way for building a more enduring solution that respects the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians.
“Hamas claims to seek a ceasefire, and there is a viable deal on the table. It is time for Hamas to seize this opportunity, reunite hostages with their families, and provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza,” Harris urged.
Characterizing Hamas as a “brutal terrorist organization,” Harris condemned its disregard for innocent life and underscored the devastating impact of its rule on the people of Gaza.
“The situation in Gaza is devastating, with reports of families resorting to eating leaves and animal feed, malnourished babies being born without adequate medical care, and children succumbing to malnutrition and dehydration,” Harris lamented.
Expressing solidarity with the victims of the crisis, Harris reiterated the United States’ commitment to providing lifesaving assistance to innocent Palestinians in need. She acknowledged the recent airdrop of humanitarian aid by the US Department of Defense and called for further efforts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza.
Furthermore, Harris called on the Israeli government to take additional steps to facilitate the delivery of aid, including opening new border crossings and ensuring that humanitarian personnel and convoys are not targeted.
“As we work towards a ceasefire, it is imperative that we also address the underlying humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The people of Gaza are in desperate need of assistance, and our common humanity compels us to act,” Harris concluded.
The Vice President’s impassioned plea underscores the pressing need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict and to pave the way for a lasting peace in the region.
